Airbus and Boeing racked up their lowest tally of aircraft orders in six years at the aviation industry’s annual showcase, as a slowing global economy and concern about the impact of Britain’s decision to quit the EU curbed demand.

Ryanair is to use its next big Boeing order to compete with the likes of Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways on routes from Ireland and Britain to the Gulf States and northern Africa.

Boeing is talking to Emirates, the world’s biggest operator of the Airbus A380 superjumbo, about a potential purchase of the 747-8, as the airline seeks more fuel-efficient carriage of large passenger numbers.